PGA West (TPC Stadium Course)
Pete Dye's brutal desert 'Stadium' at PGA West — an American Express host with the island-green 17th 'Alcatraz', open to any visitor via La Quinta Resort.
PGA West (TPC Stadium Course) in photos
Can I play PGA West (TPC Stadium Course)?
Yes — the TPC Stadium Course is one of PGA West's public resort courses, bookable by anyone via PGA West or the neighbouring La Quinta Resort & Club. Resort guests get preferred tee times and shuttle access, but no membership is required. It is a genuine PGA Tour venue that welcomes visiting golfers.
How to book: Book online through PGA West or La Quinta Resort & Club, or by phone; winter high season (roughly January to April) sells out early, so reserve well ahead. Staying at La Quinta Resort or on a stay-and-play package secures the best access and pricing. Green fees include a shared cart and practice facilities.
About PGA West (TPC Stadium Course)
Opened in 1986, the TPC Stadium Course at PGA West is Pete Dye at his most ferocious — island greens, deep pot bunkers, water and railway-tie edges that earned it one of the highest slope ratings in American golf. It was so punishing that tour pros petitioned to have it dropped from the Bob Hope Classic after its 1987 debut, only for it to return as a host of The American Express from 2016. Set among the La Quinta resorts in the Coachella Valley, it is a public resort course any golfer can book, with the par-3 17th 'Alcatraz' its signature terror. Beautiful, theatrical and relentlessly demanding, it is a bucket-list test for players who want the full Pete Dye experience.
Signature hole
The par-3 17th, 'Alcatraz', plays to an island green ringed by rock and water — a nerve-shredding forced carry that is the signature of Pete Dye's most punishing design. The par-4 16th sets it up with its own water-guarded approach.
What makes it special
'Alcatraz' 17th
A par-3 island green ringed by rock and water — one of the most photographed and feared holes in the desert.
Pete Dye at his fiercest
Among the highest slope ratings in the country, with water, deep bunkers and severe greens throughout.
PGA Tour venue
A host of The American Express that anyone can book through the La Quinta resorts.
Tournament pedigree
- The American Express / Bob Hope Classic (1987, 2016–present)
- Skins Game (1986–1991)
Need to know
Best time to play
November to April is the prime desert season — warm, dry and firm — but also the busiest and most expensive; summer temperatures are extreme, so rates fall sharply. Overseeding periods in early autumn can affect conditioning.
Dress code
Collared shirts required; no denim or gym wear. Soft spikes only.
Good to know
Carts are included and forecaddies are available; this is one of the highest-slope courses in the country (around 150 from the tips), with water, deep bunkering and severe greens, so play a sensible tee. Allow about four and a half hours and take plenty to drink in the desert heat.
Upcoming golf tournaments
Prefer to watch the world’s best? Book tickets to an upcoming tournament, then add a hotel and flights.
Getting there
Nearest airports
Palm Springs (PSP) ~30–40 min; Los Angeles (LAX) ~2h30 by car.
On arrival
PGA West sits in La Quinta at the south-east end of the Coachella Valley, about 30 to 40 minutes from Palm Springs International Airport. A car is essential in the sprawling desert resort corridor; La Quinta Resort runs a shuttle to its golf courses for guests.
Stay near the course
The La Quinta Resort & Club (a Waldorf Astoria) is the natural on-site base and the easiest route to preferred tee times through stay-and-play packages. The wider Palm Springs and Palm Desert area offers extensive resort and hotel options a short drive away.
A taste of the luxury stays near PGA West (TPC Stadium Course) — tap any hotel to see live availability and prices for your dates, or search them all.
Plan your golf trip
Hotels near the course
Live-priced stays a short drive from the 1st tee.
Search hotelsFlights
Get to La Quinta — search fares to the nearest airport.
Find flightsTournament tickets
Rather watch the pros? Book golf tournament tickets.
See golf ticketsThings to do
Tours and experiences around La Quinta.
Explore La QuintaFrequently asked questions
Can the public play the PGA West Stadium Course?
Yes. It is a public resort course bookable by anyone through PGA West or La Quinta Resort & Club; resort guests get preferred tee times.
How much does it cost to play the Stadium Course?
Green fees run roughly USD 146–300 per round with a shared cart included, highest in the winter high season and much cheaper in summer. Prices are approximate and seasonal.
How hard is the Stadium Course?
Very — it carries one of the highest slope ratings in the US (around 150 from the tips), so most visitors should play a forward tee to enjoy it.
When is the best time to play?
November to April brings the best desert conditions but the highest demand and prices; summer is extremely hot and correspondingly cheaper.
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Golf guideSources & pricing note
Green fees, access rules and tee-time policies change frequently and vary by season. The figures here are indicative for trip planning — always confirm on the official site before booking.
Guide updated 2026-07-27.